1. What Is Print Fabric?
Print fabric is any textile substrate — woven, knitted, or non-woven — onto which decorative patterns have been applied via a controlled deposition of colorant. The colorant may be a reactive dye, disperse dye, pigment paste, or digital ink, and the method of application varies from centuries-old screen printing to fully automated digital inkjet systems operating at speeds above 60 metres per minute.
Within this broad category, Velvet Print Fabric occupies a premium segment. The base cloth is a warp-knitted or woven velvet — characterised by a short, dense pile that creates a characteristic light-and-shadow effect known as lustre directionality. When patterns are printed on this surface, the interaction between the pile direction and the colorant produces an exceptional depth of colour and a three-dimensional visual quality that flat fabrics cannot replicate.
2. Manufacturing Process: From Yarn to Printed Goods
The production of quality print fabric — and velvet print in particular — involves a vertically integrated sequence of sub-processes. Haihong, founded in 1988, has built a complete industrial chain covering stretching, warping, weaving, printing, bronzing, embossing, and compounding, allowing control at every stage.
| Stage | Process | Key Variables | Effect on Final Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 — Yarn Preparation | Draw-texturing (DTY/FDY) | Denier, twist, crimp | Pile density, softness, tensile strength |
| 2 — Warping | Warp-beam assembly | Tension uniformity, beam width | Weave evenness, pattern registration accuracy |
| 3 — Weaving / Knitting | Warp-knitting or Jacquard loom | Loop height, stitch density | Pile height, base weight (gsm), drape |
| 4 — Pre-treatment | Scouring, heat-setting | Temperature, residence time | Dimensional stability, dye receptivity |
| 5 — Printing | Rotary screen / Digital inkjet | Ink chemistry, DPI, print pressure | Pattern sharpness, colour gamut, wash-fastness |
| 6 — Fixation & Washing | Steaming, washing, drying | Steam temperature (100–175 °C), pH | Dye bond strength, brightness, handle |
| 7 — Finishing | Bronzing, embossing, lamination | Foil type, pressure, backing material | Surface aesthetics, functional properties |
Table 1 — Integrated production stages for velvet print fabric (reference: Haihong industrial chain).
3. Printing Technologies Compared
The choice of printing technology directly determines the achievable repeat length, minimum order quantity, colour accuracy, and per-metre cost. The table below summarises the four technologies most commonly applied to velvet and other pile fabrics.
| Technology | Resolution (DPI) | Colour Count | Min. Order | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotary Screen | 80–120 mesh | 8–24 colours | 300–500 m | Mass production, geometric repeats |
| Flat Screen | 60–100 mesh | Up to 16 | 200–300 m | Large-format prints, placement designs |
| Digital Inkjet (DTG/Roll-to-Roll) | 360–1,440 | Unlimited (CMYK + specials) | 1–50 m | Sampling, short runs, photographic designs |
| Transfer / Sublimation | 300–720 | Full colour | 50–150 m | Polyester-rich substrates, sport & fashion |
Table 2 — Printing technology comparison for pile and knitted fabrics.
Haihong's Versa Print Collection leverages multi-technology printing to serve buyers across all order-size tiers, from large mass-market volumes to boutique seasonal collections. The collection is organised into three commercial sub-lines:
Optimised for stable, high-volume supply at competitive cost. Suited to mass-market and large-scale orders where reliable consistency is the priority.
A balanced mid-range line offering quality and variety. Builds long-term customer trust through consistent production standards and broad pattern choice.
High-end design and custom small-batch work. Ideal for premium upholstery, contract projects, and trend-setting seasonal launches.
4. Key Performance Specifications
Buyers of print fabric for home furnishing applications — sofas, curtains, cushion covers, and wall panels — evaluate fabric against a defined set of performance criteria. The following table provides typical benchmark ranges for quality velvet print fabric.
| Property | Test Standard | Acceptable Range | Premium Grade Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour Fastness to Washing | ISO 105-C06 | Grade ≥ 3–4 | Grade 4–5 |
| Colour Fastness to Light | ISO 105-B02 | Grade ≥ 4 | Grade 5–6 |
| Pilling Resistance | ISO 12945-2 | Grade ≥ 3 | Grade 4–5 |
| Abrasion Resistance (Martindale) | ISO 12947-2 | ≥ 10,000 rubs (domestic) | ≥ 25,000 rubs (contract) |
| Fabric Weight (gsm) | ISO 3801 | 200–320 gsm | 260–300 gsm (sofa velvet) |
| Shrinkage (warp × weft) | ISO 6330 | ≤ 3% × 3% | ≤ 1.5% × 1.5% |
| Formaldehyde Content | GB/T 2912.1 | ≤ 300 mg/kg (adult) | ≤ 75 mg/kg (Oeko-Tex Std 100) |
Table 3 — Performance benchmarks for printed velvet in home furnishing applications.
5. Application Landscape
5.1 Upholstery & Sofa Fabric
Sofa fabric is the cornerstone application of velvet print. The pile surface distributes contact pressure evenly, providing sustained seating comfort, while printed patterns allow furniture makers to differentiate collections without changing construction materials. Haihong holds a leading industry position in sofa fabrics, backed by decades of R&D focused on pile stability under repeated compression and abrasion.
5.2 Curtains & Drapery
Velvet's inherent mass — typically 260–320 gsm — provides excellent acoustic absorption and light-blocking properties. Printed designs on curtain velvet create focal points in residential and hospitality interiors without the added cost of woven jacquard. The pile's light-diffusing quality softens the appearance of bold printed motifs, achieving a sophistication that flat printed fabrics cannot replicate.
5.3 Cushions, Throws & Decorative Accessories
Short-run digital printing has unlocked a fast-moving accessory segment where seasonal motifs, bespoke logos, and trend-reactive patterns can be produced with lead times of days rather than weeks. The Prem Series within the Versa Print range targets exactly this space — enabling brands to build premium image through limited-edition collections.
5.4 Fashion & Garment Fabrics
Printed faux velvet is used extensively in evening wear, outerwear lining, and accessories. The fabric's drape and lustre directionality create garments with inherent visual movement — patterns appear to shift as the wearer moves, an effect impossible to achieve with woven-in designs. The H1086 "BUSALLA" product by Haihong exemplifies this category: printed faux velvet that injects creativity and personalisation into the base cloth.
6. Care & Maintenance Guide
Proper care extends the service life of velvet print fabric and preserves both the pile integrity and the vibrancy of the printed design. The following recommendations apply to the majority of polyester and polyester-blend velvet print substrates.
| Care Category | Recommended Practice | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Cold hand wash or delicate machine cycle (30 °C max). Use pH-neutral detergent. | Hot water, biological detergents, vigorous agitation |
| Drying | Lay flat or hang away from direct sunlight. Reshape pile while damp. | Tumble drying, direct sunlight exposure, mechanical wringing |
| Ironing / Pressing | Steam from reverse side on low heat. Hold steamer 2–3 cm from pile surface. | Direct contact ironing; pressure on pile flattens fibres permanently |
| Stain Removal | Blot immediately with clean cloth. Spot-treat with mild detergent solution. | Rubbing stains (spreads contamination), solvent-based cleaners |
| Storage | Roll (don't fold) around acid-free tube. Store in cool, dark, dry environment. | Long-term folding (permanent crease marks), damp or humid conditions |
Table 4 — Care and maintenance recommendations for printed velvet fabric.
7. About Haining Haihong New Material Co., Ltd
Haining Haihong New Material Co., Ltd was founded in 1988 by Mr. Pan Haiming and has grown from a single workshop into one of China's recognised leaders in decorative and sofa fabrics. Headquartered at No. 166 Yunxing Road, Xieqiao Town, Haining City, Zhejiang Province, the company has sold over 200 million metres of product to buyers in 56 countries within five years.
The company's competitive foundation rests on three pillars: a fully integrated production chain (draw-texturing through to embossing and lamination), a professional R&D team operating within accredited facilities, and a commitment to international quality and environmental standards. Haihong has been recognised as a National High-Tech Enterprise (2018, renewed 2024) and a Zhejiang Province Specialized and Sophisticated SME (2023).
In 2025, Haihong received the Certification of the Eco-Functional Decorative (Sofa) Fabric Technology R&D Centre by the China Textile Engineering Society — a designation that underscores the company's focus on sustainable, functional textile innovation.
